Mrs. Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady called love, which is apt to ravage communities, spring and autumn, when winter gayety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets of engagements, and set young people to pairing off like the birds.

Now I'm beginning to live a little and feel less like a sick oyster at low tide.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.

Now we are expected to be as wise as men who have had generations of all the help there is, and we scarcely anything.

Keep good company, read good books, love good things and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can

Marmee: Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You’re ready to go out and – and find a good use for your talent. Tho’ I don’t know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.